UK study and Student visa guide
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From choosing your degree, subject and budget to admission, CAS, financial evidence and dependants.
Studying in the UK: where to start
This guide follows Jahan Academy’s five-part series. Clarify your study goal, start date and circumstances. University admission and the Student visa are connected stages with separate requirements.
First decide your degree, subject and budget
Choose your qualification level, subject and budget before shortlisting universities. Match entry and language requirements to your background. Include tuition, living expenses, visa fees and the immigration health surcharge.
University admission before the visa application
Apply for an appropriate course first. After meeting the institution’s conditions and receiving a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), prepare your Student visa application. Arrange financial evidence early and check official language and supporting-document requirements.
Financial evidence and the holding period
Where financial evidence is required, cover unpaid tuition shown on the CAS and the required living costs. London and outside-London amounts differ. Funds normally need to be held for 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before application. Check current figures and exemptions on GOV.UK.
Can your partner or children accompany you?
Not every student can bring dependants. Eligible categories generally include government-sponsored students on courses longer than six months, or full-time postgraduate students on courses of at least nine months. New postgraduate courses must meet the doctorate or research-based higher-degree condition. Check course type, start date, family relationship and separate maintenance requirements.